primary engine gauge options

[wslade2]

so, the old original mechanical square gauges for primary engine function (oil press/oil temp/fuel level/CHT) are iffy, or not functional or unreadable. Tachs, fuel flow and manifold pressure ok and I like them, want to keep them. Just curious what others have done. Looking at everything: rebuild/repair old, put in multifunction electronic replacements (like Electronics International), any other replacement options that are certified (are there some electromechanical modular options?). Without spending a mint...

[hharney]

In all the years I have flown my inline machine I have never really worried about the factory gauges. Sure some of that fancy stuff out there would be sweet but put your money where it helps you fly the airplane and be safe. Once you know your airplane the factory indicators are relative. I watch for differences not accuracy. I have an engine monitor with fuel flow because that's the heart of our system. Money well spent, but unless everything else on the panel to fly is updated, ie. Auto pilot, HSI, GPS, ADS-b, Engine monitor, fuel flow, attitude......the factory gauges are the last for me. Just my thoughts

[JAG]

wslade2,
The Cessna engine gauges are, in my opinion, a poor representation of engine condition. As Herb notes - they give some relative comparison, however, I like to have a little more accuracy when it comes to CHT, EGT, oil temp and oil pressure.

I have installed an Insight G4 Twin. While this is not a replacement for the entire Cessna gauges, it give me a highly accurate and quality display for all parameters except for Fuel Quantity. I still need to maintain the gauges however - but the options to replace them with something like the EDM-960 was more than I wanted to spend ($6k versus $17k). Not to mention cost of install...I was able to install the G4 myself and it was very straightforward and did not require major rework to the instrument panel.
Jeff

[kilr4d]

I also have the Insight G4. Good bang for the buck. Lots on information in a small package. Downloadable via the SD card.

No regrets.